Southern California -- this just in

Man accused of 'slam dunking' Chihuahua, causing its death

July 9, 2009 | 11:03
am

A San Jacinto man is accused of "slam-dunking" a Chihuahua to the ground, after which the dog had to be euthanized, according to police.

Riverside County sheriff's deputies arrested 44-year-old Javier Rodriguez Garza on Tuesday after he failed to show up for a mandated court appearance related to the felony animal-cruelty case, according to a Department of Animal Services press release.

Garza is accused of slamming his 3-pound, 10-week-old Chihuahua to the ground on April 13 after an argument with a woman.